Spain
Spain’s Under Achievement
In anticipation of this year’s Euro 2008, I thought it’d be illuminating to look at the history of La Furia Roja, who’ve underachieved time and time again.
Their best finish ever at the World Cup was 4th place in 1950.
Their only major tournament victory was Euro 1964, a mere 44 years ago.
You could say they’re due.
Spain is often many people’s pre-tournament favorites, with good reason. They boast one of the best leagues in the world and some of the best players on the planet.
But although the team starts well, they flounder in later stages. They’re the classic case of football underachievers.
Why is this?
There are many reasons.
For starters, Spain’s a very divided country.
Many regions in Spain, like Catalunya and the Basque Country, don’t want to be a part of the united country. They want independence for their regions. Obviously, when players from these regions are picked for the national team, their allegiances are divided.
Some regions even field their own ‘national teams’ that play internationals during the Spanish winter holiday. It causes confusion.
Another reason could be that the squad is mentally demoralized.
Being that it’s been 44 years since their last major tournament victory, it’s probable that the team doesn’t believe it can win.
They’ve had their hearts broken often in recent tournaments:
- Needing to defeat Bulgaria by a huge goal differential, they win 6-1 only to be eliminated by Paraguay and Nigeria anyways. A massive disappointment.
- A stirring exit to France in the Euro 2000 quarterfinals via a missed penalty by Raul.
- Disallowed goals and a disappointing exit via penalties against South Korea in the 2002 World Cup quarterfinals.
- A heartbreaking first round exit at the hands of neighbors Portugal at Euro 2004.
- A decent performance in the first round of the 2006 World Cup followed by an early exit at the hands of a more experienced France side.
Again and again, Spain fails to deliver.
It’s not for a lack of talent. This year, they boast the striking talents of Liverpool ace Fernando Torres, who’s scored 23 goals in his first season in England. They can also count on Valencia scorer David Villa, one of the most sought after strikers on the continent.
Behind them is a plethora of talent. Midfield aces such as Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and the amazing Cesc Fabregas provide the width and breadth of the squad.
Carles Puyol and Carlos Marchena man the backline, stopping the opposition dead in their tracks. Not to mention the mercurial Sergio Ramos, who really came into his own this season with Real Madrid.
And in goal, there’s no one to match Real Madrid ace Iker Casillas. ‘Saint Iker’ as he’s been dubbed by the Spanish press.
So why the underachievement?
Who knows, really?
It could be one of the above stated reasons.
Or as current coach Luis Aragones has said, it could be that the current squad lacks passion.
Whatever it is, it should be an interesting ride.
The squad is full of talent, rich in attacking and defensive acumen at almost every position.
And to think, this team doesn’t include Raul, the inspirational leader of the current epoch of Spanish football.
Raul might make the squad before all is said and done. He’s had a renaissance at Real Madrid after being considered dead and buried a few seasons ago. He’s the leading scorer in national team history and his leadership would be handy during the tournament.
Still, Aragones believes Raul’s time has come and gone. That doesn’t mean he won’t pick the Real Madrid captain before the tournament. But his chances are slim.
With everything said, this tournament affords La Furia Roja the opportunity to cleanse the ghosts of the past 44 years of underachievement.
Spain will have to battle to get past their Group D opponents Sweden, Russia and 2004 surprise champions Greece.
Should they advance, they’ll likely have to face 2006 World Cup winners Italy, 2006 finalists France or perennial power Holland in the quarterfinals.
That’s when we’ll find out if Spain has what it takes to cleanse their souls.
Should be an interesting match to watch! If they can get past the Group stage …
More Spain World Cup News
Wenger: Cesc Will Be Fine!
While I’m busy waiting for my Spanish club team to be relegated, I’m keeping a watchful eye towards next month’s Euro 2008 tournament.
Today, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger attempted to quell most of Spain’s fears regarding midfield maestro and reality TV star Cesc Fabregas’s status for the tournament.
He’ll be fine. ‘WHOO!’ said Spain. ... [read]
Q: How Does Nike Setting Cesc Fabregas on Fire Help Spain’s Euro 2008 Chances?
A: It doesn’t.
... [read]
Spain 2018?
How’s this for good news ahead of Euro 2008?
According to published reports, FIFA president Sepp Blatter wants Spain to bid for the 2018 World Cup.
“I have good memories of the 1982 World Cup in Spain,” Blatter told a visiting party of 50 soccer officials from Spain led by Angel Maria Villar, a vice ... [read]
Can David Albelda Still Make Euro 2008?
When Ronald Koeman began the craziness at Valencia and told Santiago Canizares, David Albelda and Miguel Angulo that they wouldn’t be playing any more football in 2007/8, the three players understandably dropped off of Luis Aragones Euro 2008 squad map.
But now Koeman is gone and Voro is in charge at the ... [read]
Spain!
Hi, I’m Cesar from the Valencia Offside and I’ll be one of your many Spain Euro 2008 writers as the national team prepares for this summer’s tournament.
The national team in Spain is a funny one. They have this entire ‘dear me’ attitude about them.
On one hand, they’re one of the most talented sides ... [read]
Luis Aragones’ Provisional 31 Man Squad
Daryl here, just stepping in with a quick update. Luis Aragones has named his provisional 31 man squad for Euro 2008, which will be chopped down to 23 at some point.
No Raul (no surprise) but young Bojan is in there. Squad looks like this:
Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Andrés Iniesta, Xavi, Carles Puyol, Bojan Krkic (Barcelona), Daniel Güiza, Fernando ... [read]
Spain v Italy: The Preview*
(*Note that I tend to do ‘previews’ a bit different from everyone else (i.e. I just talk about whatever I feel is relevant to the game in no order!)
(Sorry, I felt the need to put this up since I used to sing this song drunk while watching any football game)
Daryl already got some of you up to speed on the ... [read]
La Liga Scores- Week 28
Saturday
Deportivo 1-0 Real Madrid
DEP: Pepe (57′-OG)
Betis 1-2 Athletic (susp.)
Recreativo 4-2 Murcia
REC: Sinama-Pongolle (19′, 71′), Ruben (59′), Marquitos (86′)
MUR: De Lucas (15′), Iván Alonso (75′-PK)
Valencia 1-2 Sevilla
VAL: Albiol (90′)
SEV: Luis Fabiano (11′, 22′)
Sunday
Espanyol 2-1 Mallorca
ESP: Luis García (58′, 89′)
MLL: Güiza (13′)
Villarreal 2-0 Zaragoza
VIL: Nihat (11′), Rossi (65′-PK)
Valladolid 0-0 Osasuna
Getafe 2-1 Racing
GET: Uche (66′), Gavilán (76′)
RAC: Smolarek (54′)
Almería 2-2 Barcelona
ALM: ... [read]
Blatter Bluffing?

FIFA’s head honcho once again threatened the Spanish Football Federation regarding the possibility of that country’s government intervening in the federation’s affairs. Both the federation and the Superior Sports Council (CSD) are currently in conflict over the elections that are to take place. The CSD found various ... [read]
Latest Comments
- Spain's Under Achievement
Just saw a scan of an article titled "25 Reasons Why Spain Should Win the Euros." You may have seen ...[read more] - Q: How Does Nike Setting Cesc Fabregas on Fire Help Spain's Euro 2008 Chances?
I've a feeling a certain mr. Wenger won't like this clip. Nice thing with his name and number on th ...[read more] - Hasta la vista Espana
Me niego a hablar en inglés porque no es mi idioma , si no lo entienden estudien español que por c ...[read more] - Spain 2018?
England are bidding for it too. After the non-contest of 2014, bidding for World Cup 2018 is going t ...[read more] - Luis Aragones' Provisional 31 Man Squad
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, für die Zukunft wünsche ich Ihnen alles Gute viel Gesundhei ...[read more] - Hasta la vista Espana
Fuck Spain and everything they stand for. They have never respected other peoples cultures, look thr ...[read more] - Hasta la vista Espana
COLOMBIAN GIRL colombia is a banana republic peace of shit country full of monkeys cocain snifers w ...[read more] - Hasta la vista Espana
We spaniards are fed up of all this fucking south american monkeys who come to spain.They are ugly a ...[read more] - Spain v Italy: The Preview*
A Por ellos is something like...Lets go get 'em. (The spanish 'a' in this sense is really difficult ...[read more] - Spain v Italy: The Preview*
that song is real fun. even though i can't understand it, it's fun to watch. what's the song talking ...[read more] - Spain v Italy: The Preview*
Yeah I will be watching in Connecticut or in the city so you do win, but I may be goin to Spain next ...[read more] - Spain v Italy: The Preview*
Here's * .... and someone should fix that geo-location plugin, I'm NOT in Australia. ...[read more] - Spain v Italy: The Preview*
Here ...[read more] - Spain v Italy: The Preview*
Damn, your 64 inch beats my 42 inch TV. But I MAY be watching it in Barcelona if my Catalan grant ...[read more] - Spain v Italy: The Preview*
Not to entrude on your territory Ryan, but if you need help covering Spain let me know, I will be wa ...[read more]
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